Book Reviews: You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up: A Love Story

Broad A: Both Ms. Gurwitch and Mr. Kahn are comedy writers, and very good ones – therefore, it stands to reason – a great, hilarious book about marriage – right?

Broad Z: Not always, A. Sometimes writers can be good at poetry and SUCK at prose. You know that.

Broad A: You’re right “Z” However, beyond delight, this book extended itself straight out, without a lifeline, from hilarious, courageous, with full of strength character and great devotion. I found myself humble as these two people exposed their marriage to our hearts, and left themselves open on the page.

Broad Z: Talk about TRANSPARENCY. These two put it ALL out on the table for us. It had to be so hard to go back and re-hash their lives as they did.

Broad A: Full of heartbreak, Annabelle and Jeff never go near “poor me.” When their son Ezra is born with multiple, life threatening birth defects, they scurry to find the best way to support their tiny son, in the midst of terror, fatigue and what surely must have been a devastating diagnosis.

Broad Z: I found it absolutely amazing that they could approach this without the “poor me” as you put it. These are truly two of the strongest (and funniest) people.

Broad A: Written in a he said, she said format, Annabelle’s strong character counteracts Jeff’s softer tone, but both give back as they get. Revealing all of their flaws, they nonetheless treat themselves lightly. These are two people that rise to their challenges and joys with laughter and acceptance.

Broad Z: I found myself actually taking sides. I’m not telling you which one I sided with, because it would switch periodically. I guess that’s what comes from two people being brutally honest as well as pee in your pants funny.

Broad A: Yes, they are both honest to a T. Both sets of in-laws are depicted as they truly are and loved immensely. Annabelle and Jeff have taken the drama out of “Love Story” and gone to a new dimension, an honest one.

Broad Z: I don’t know about you A, but I savored this book. These are two people that I want to know. Not just on paper, but in real life.

Broad A: I read each page avidly and absolutely loved every entry. I felt like Annabelle and Jeff were right there with me, becoming friends and ending with my great admiration, while I laughed constantly at their witty repartee.

Broad Z: I think they’d fit in VERY well with “The Broads” around here.

Broad A: Every once in a while a book tears at your funny bone, your heart and your head. The synthesis of all three makes for greatness and purity. The words ring true and you can feel the devotion and courage of two people who are simply in sync, who are too devoted to ever leave their commitments. And they are funny.

Broad Z: Yeah, and it’s good too (just had to get you back for using words like “synthesis:” A.

Broad A: Annabelle and Jeff take you in and refuse to release you. One of the best books I have read in ages, throw away your “Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus” and relax. Never stereotypical, a refreshing depiction of a marriage based on good, bad and in-between.

Broad Z: Normally I don’t do this within a review…but, I have to thank our good friend Victoria (from ID-PR) for turning us on to such an amazing book. You know how to pick ’em! I’m just a little jealous that you get to work with Jeff Kahn and Annabelle Gurwitch.

Broad A: As talented as I knew they were, I can only thank the “Gurkahns” for the opportunity to join them in their marital misfires and right on hits. It’s absolutely incredible to find a book like this – my copy stays here. Go buy your own!